Global Youth Action Network Joins TakingITGlobal
Online, March 19, 2010 (Newswire.com) - TORONTO - TakingITGlobal (TIG), a multilingual online social network for engaged youth, has joined with the Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) in a collaboration that strengthens their commitment to the global youth movement.
GYAN connects thousands of organizations in over 190 countries uniting young people's efforts to improve the world through advocacy, volunteerism and community development. The network is known for its coordination of Global Youth Service Day,; its work promoting youth participation in decision-making at the United Nations; and its support to emerging initiatives such as the Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA).
The fusion between the two organizations follows long and on-going conversations between GYAN and TIG leaders, constituents and supporters on strategies for greater programmatic and financial support to both organizations while upholding the organizations' similar missions and values.
"After extensive review of GYAN's programs and initiatives with TIG and GYAN staff and financial advisors, the Board of Directors at TakingITGlobal determined this collaboration provides the best value for both organizations," said Jennifer Corriero, Executive Director of TIG.
GYAN will now operate as a program under TakingITGlobal, from its office in Mexico City, a move that strengthens TIG's financial position and reaffirms TIG's commitment to youth leadership in the Global South. GYAN's collaboration with the Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA) will also function as a TIG program, from its office in New York City, leading to greater support of global initiatives as well as greater visibility and increased efficiency for both organizations.
"The partnership with GYAN enables us to invest our energy in joint programs that facilitate youth participation in global decision-making, support collaboration among other youth organizations, and provide the resources and tools necessary for a future of peace, justice, and sustainability," said Corriero.
Marioliva Gonzalez will serve as GYAN Program Director for TakingITGlobal from Mexico City. She has worked with GYAN-Mexico since it was founded in 20034, and has organized youth-led environmental projects funded by UN Habitat and mobilized thousands in Mexico for the Make Poverty History campaign.
"With more than 4000 youth organizations affiliated with GYAN, this collaboration is a unique opportunity to further empower the youth movement and build a better world. Now GYAN can provide more tools and resources to its members from all over the world," said Gonzalez.
An ancillary effect of the merge is the departure of GYAN's Executive Director, Franziska Seel. During Seel's tenure she oversaw preparatory procedures prior to the realignment and was responsible for the seamless transition of both organizations shortly after the merge. Seel's departure shortly after the fusion of GYAN and TIG coincides with a period of growth and evolution for GYAN, one that would not have been possible without her leadership.
TIG looks forward to its revamped programming scheduled for 2010, including global youth training opportunities leading to the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development in New York City in May 2010, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Mexico in November 2010. All of these activities will be enabled by TIG's innovative Sprout e-course platform starting in late March.
As an additional component of the merge, GYAN has announced the launch of its revamped website, http://www.youthlink.org.
More information about TakingITGlobal's programs and partnerships is available at http://www.tigweb.org and http://sproutecourse.com/.
More information about GYAN and GYCA is available at http://www.youthlink.org and http://www.youthaidscoalition.org
About TakingITGlobal
TakingITGlobal (TIG) is the leading online community for young global citizens committed to changing their world. TIG inspires young people to become informed and involved by providing capacity-building opportunities and a unique youth-driven platform available in twelve languages. Since launching in 2000, 20 million people have accessed the website to learn, grow and realize their potential.
About the Global Youth Action Network
The Global Youth Action Network (GYAN), a program of TakingITGlobal, is a youth-led initiative that unites the efforts of young people working to improve our world. The network connects thousands of organizations in over 190 countries, and its programs are guided by frequent member consultations. GYAN is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization, launched in 1996 and registered in the state of New York, USA. Chapters are registered in Mexico and Ghana. GYAN is affiliated to the United Nations Department of Public Information and holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC).
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For further information:
Jennifer Corriero
Co-Founder and Executive Director | TakingITGlobal
jenergy@takingitglobal.org
Marioliva Gonzalez
GYAN Program Director | TakingITGlobal
marioliva@takingitglobal.org